contemporary

Been quite a 12 months for hip hop producer Frost Gamble, originally from NY State but now resident in Canada.

Having signed with Miami’s 22 Entertainment, whose back catalogue includes Royce da 5’9″, Fashawn, Joe Budden, J-Kwon and KXNG Crooked, his first release on his new deal was the “Veteran” EP with long time sparring partner, east coast rapper Tone Chop, in November ’16.

This was followed quickly by the album “Black Beach” with another of his Nostalgia Clic stable of artists, Detroit rapper ZotheJerk. Release in May this year and featuring KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James and Sadat X, it received worldwide media coverage including a review in the renowned MOJO Magazine.

As we enter the latter half of 2017, he has two more releases on the immediate horizon. September 29th is the date for the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” again with Tone Chop and featuring Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, Tragedy Khadafi and rap battling phenomenon D.N.A.

This will be followed on October 20th with the “Rare Fabric” EP, a joint venture with Tragedy Khadafi. Meantime, he’s been recording new music with Horseshoe Gang, Royce da 5’9″ and is also near completion of a solo producer album “I Missed My Bus” which includes guest feature artists Ruste Juxx, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Rah Digga, Guilty Simpson, KXNG Crooked and many more.

Midwest journalist Sinseer took time out recently to speak with Frost about his earliest days in production, his influences and style, the historical relationship with Tone Chop and Zo, his tie up with the label and of course all of his past and future projects.

Shortly before the release of their new EP “Veteran”, NY State rapper Tone Chop and Winnipeg based producer Frost Gamble jumped on Skype to speak with London journalist Taytula Burke for long running online publication British Hip Hop.

The feature published today encompasses their discussion relating to the spirit and sound of the new EP in line with how they first met at rap battles during the 90’s, while also establishing their firm committment to hip hop’s evolution for a modern era.

The opener “Dedication” shouts out many of the G.O.A.T.’s including Rakim, Queen Latifah and Pac, an opening salvo declaring their origins and influences followed by biographical accounts in “Back in the Days” and “Better with Time”. However “Step Up” switches focus to the future, in line with the EP’s role as a warm up for a new album next year.

Their reflective and anticipatory approach is represented in the feature which can be read HERE

Available through Seven 13 Music & Entertainment, the “Veteran” EP can be bought from iTunes

OFFICIAL EP STREAM

Look out for further media coverage on the duo in the coming weeks and the launch of a new bonus cut in a few days’ time.

Nine5Four Magazine is a bi-monthly publishing in physical and digital print formats with bases in the US and Canada.

With extensive subscriber numbers worldwide they focus on emerging talent in music, acting, modelling, sport and general entertainment.

Their November 2016 issue has just been published, including a two page feature on NY State rapper Tone Chop & Winnipeg based producer Frost Gamble who have just released their new EP “Veteran” through Seven 13 Music & Entertainment. Available to buy from iTunes

The feature headlined “Soldiers in Arms” traces their history together, dating back to their original rivalry in NY State’s rap battle scene during the 90’s to their becoming partners in rhyme and tagging around the local area. The pair discuss their solo careers and the reasons behind the decision to finally release an official collaborative project after all these years.

They also speak on the wider hip hop culture, the changes and evolution that has taken place over the past two decades and the importance they place on acknowledging the part played by the pioneers. Addressing the comparisons between commercial and underground or “traditional” hip hop, there is an acceptance of inevitable divergence while still maintaining the importance of upholding those traditions.

In effect, to educate a younger generation that there is more to hip hop than the imagery and representation typically served as the daily diet by mainstream media. Frost also discusses the role sample clearance issues played on the emergence of various sub-genres, before ending the interview on an optimistic note for hip hop’s future given the apparent upturn in interest and passion by a new generation for the classic sound and traditional elements.

Once rivals in Binghamton NY’s rap battle scene during the 90’s, Tone Chop & Frost Gamble subsequently became partners in rhyme and tagging.

On relocating to Winnipeg, Frost focused solely on production, working with J-Ro, Sadat-X, and Rakim’s son Tahmell. Earlier this year his joint “Honey” with ZotheJerk appeared on Seven 13’s “God Bless Dope Rappers” compilation which also featured Royce da 5’9″, Horseshoe Gang, Crooked I & Kid Vishis

Meanwhile back in upstate NY, rapper and producer Chop released an extensive series of mixtapes whether solo or as part of the group Binghamton’s Most Wanted. He also supplied the beat for Tom Gist’s “Momma”

The pair decided to re-unite for their first official collaborative release with the resultant EP “Veteran” dropping November 18th through Seven 13 Music & Ent (available on iTunes)

Contributor Angelo Gingerello has just run the rule over it for online magazine Pop Break, and you can read his in-depth review which affords the EP an 8/10 rating HERE

From the EP, they have already released two singles. “Leave It Alone” featuring Ruste Juxx and Nobi is a tribute to the late Sean Price, while only this week they launched their first official video for “Step Up”. Check them out

NY State rapper Tone Chop and Winnipeg based producer Frost Gamble release their first collaborative EP “Veteran” through Seven 13 Music & Ent on November 18th. Available on pre-order via iTunes

Originally rivals in upstate NY’s rap battle scene during the 90’s, they became partners in rhyme, tagging and production. Already on record as crediting the wider hip hop culture and elements as being the catalyst for them to pick up the mic, US online The ReUp Spot sat down with them recently for their perspective on the evolution of hip hop over the past two decades.

The feature is an insightful historical record, as the pair discuss their own involvement in music, graffiti and breakdancing at a time when by comparison to today, the elements had a more prominent and influential role in the wider culture.

Subjects addressed act as a historical snapshot of the changes which have taken place. The switch from vinyl to Serato, the elevation of hip hop music, fashions and art elevated from the underground to the broader commercial world, and the emergence of the various sub genres which now exist.

Focusing on the new release, they discuss the reasons for collaborating officially for the first time after all these years, their previous solo releases and the impact of signing with Seven 13.

The article will likely be of extra interest to a younger generation, typically fed a very narrow representation by today’s media. There is more to it than that – go to the source, adapt and progress. “If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go” James Baldwin

Some new heat from Tone Chop & Frost Gamble, this time in the shape of the bonus cut “Being A Boss”.

The NY State rapper and Winnipeg producer release their new EP “Veteran” on November 18th through Seven 13 Music & Entertainment, a prelude to a new album coming in 2017.

The booming bass heavy beat provided by crate digger Frost slices up Jada’s “Time’s Up” for the hooks between his old rap battle rival’s punchline bars. Made available as a free download today direct from the audio stream on Soundcloud below

Look out for more audio & video releases shortly together with international press coverage of the EP.

All media & radio station DJ requests and enquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and the Veteran EP can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are HERE

NY State rapper Tone Chop and Winnipeg based producer Frost Gamble have their first official collaboration releasing on November 18th. The 7 track “Veteran” Ep is available to pre-order on iTunes through Seven 13 Music & Entertainment

The pair have been connected since the 90’s when originally as rap battle rivals they came together as partners in rhyme and tagging in Binghamton before Frost’s re-location. Chop’s released numerous mixtapes over the past decade which included collabroations with Jinx da Juvy, Tom Gist and St Laz, while Frost, now fully focused on production has worked with Sadat-X, Rakim’s son Tahmell, J-Ro, ZotheJerk and the award winning Fresh I.E.

The EP has that distinct feel of the Golden Era while retaining a sense of the modern age, a fact picked up by Andrew Kay in his review which has afforded the release a 5 Star rating in Blacksheep Magazine.

Look out for new audio and video releases by the duo shortly, beginning with a new bonus cut being launched this week. Their first single taken from the EP was “Leave It Alone”, a tribute to the late Sean Price and featuring Ruste Juxx and Nobi.

All press, media and radio station DJ inquiries regarding Tone Chop & Frost Gamble including requests for a promotional copy of the Veteran EP to review, or requests to interview the pair can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact details are HERE